On a welding job site, safety should be the highest priority. A welder can always repair a piece of equipment, re-weld a joint or grind out a bd weld, but a personal injury can be permanent. Common hazards in welding include arc burns, hot metal burns, dismemberment, hearing loss, and loss of eyesight. All of these hazards can be prevented with the proper use of welding safety work gear.
According to the Australian model code of welding practice, all workers and individuals directly engaged in welding or cutting operations must be provided with adequate safety gear which can include goggles, helmets or head shields fitted with suitable filters lenses, hand shields, suitable aprons, etc. It's also mandatory that people welding or cutting in tight spaces must be protected from inhaling any fumes, gases, or dust by providing approved types of respiratory protective equipment and local exhaust and general ventilation system to keep fumes, gases, or dust within allowable values.
It's important that you understand that wearing welding safety equipment is essential when either doing professional work or a simple DIY project. Here is the list of the essential gear necessary to ensure your safety while welding.
Welding Goggles
Designed to shield the welder's eyes temporarily while they are welding or cutting, the purpose of welding goggles is to protect the eye from heat and visual radiation as well as from welding-related flying debris sparks.
The welding process creates not only visible light waves but also powerful ultraviolet light and infrared rays released by the arc, which can be perceived indirectly and cause eye damage in welders. Welding goggles protect the eyes against these lights also. Note that welding goggles come with a variety of lens numbers to meet specific demands. You should also know that filters designed for gas welding won't work with arc welding, which requires the use of deeper lens colours.
Welding Helmets
The welding helmet is one of the most important pieces of safety work gear a welder must wear. A good helmet will shield the eyes and skin not only from sparks but also from ultraviolet light and infrared rays.
Available in a range of colours and styles that are pleasing to the eye, there is more to consider than just the cosmetic aspect of the welding helmet. Its functional aspect also needs to be taken into consideration. For example, you'll want to choose a light helmet that can be comfortably worn for a full day's work. To minimize the danger of neck ache or weariness after wearing the helmet all day, the optimum helmet weight is 0.5 kg.
Welding Gloves
In order to keep your hands safe while welding you'll need to get a pair of good welding gloves. This piece of safety gear will protect you from electric shock, UV and infrared radiation and intense heat and also offer you a better grip. For a welding process involving high temperatures, welding gloves made from leather are an excellent choice.
Based on their durability welding gloves are divided into three categories:
- TIG welding gloves - made from goat, cow or port skin, these gloves are meant for starters.
- MIG welding gloves - they are made from pig, cow or deerskin.
- Leather welding gloves - made from cows or deerskin, they are the best option.
Welding Apron
The best welding aprons will be those made from durable materials such as cowhide or swine. Never wear an apron made from plastic or polyester while welding because it can melt into your skin. When performing a welding task that requires constant exposure to extreme heat or open flames, a flame-resistant apron would be the best option.
The most common varieties of welding aprons are the half apron, which protects the waist down and the full apron, which protect the entire front side of the welder. Heavy denim and cotton are also common fabric options used to make welding aprons.
Welding Jacket
When working in a workplace that is constantly bombarded with high temperatures, powerful sparks and the threat of molten metal, wearing a fire-resistant jacket is a must. Flame resistant leather and cotton are the most commonly used materials for welding clothing. Cotton jackets offer the ideal combination of protection, affordability and convenience, but they don't provide adequate protection for all welding processes. Leather jackets, on the other hand, have long been regarded as the best option for welding due to their resistance to fire and their ability to keep welders safe.
Welding Boots
You'll also need shoes that can endure sparks and large things falling on your feet. Welding boots, although similar to regular boots, have leather that covers the laces and the top. A good set of welding boots will serve you two main purposes. First, it will keep your foot from hurting or bumbling for long periods of time while you're at work. This will then allow you to weld in the most ideal conditions without any difficulties.
